Statement of Welcome from Francis Mer,
Minister of Economy, Finance and Industry
Paris, May 17, 2003

Welcome in Deauville.

Two weeks ahead of the Summit of the Heads of State and Government in Evian, I have called this meeting of the G7/G8 Finance Ministers (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, United Kingdom, United States) and the European Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs. Our aim is simple: preparing the economic and financial aspects of this very important meeting and reflecting in a coordinated manner on ways to achieve better global cohesion.

We need to stand together to look for ways to ensure strong and sustainable economic growth - not just in the industrialised world but also in the developing countries, which we need to show a spirit of solidarity, particularly Africa.

Affirming confidence in the strength of our economies and regaining a taste for initiative - these are the challenges we need to tackle to ensure growth. In partnership with the business leaders concerned, we will therefore encourage and organise responsible corporate measures towards more transparent, unambiguous and ethical conduct. Lastly, we want more security, inter alia by fighting the financing of terrorism.

These are the top priorities laid down by President Jacques Chirac and these are the principles guiding our work.